dnata named Ground Support Company of the Year at Aviation Business Middle East Awards 2025

dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, was recognised with two accolades at the Aviation Business Middle East Awards 2025.

For the 15th time now, the company was named Ground Support Company of the Year, one of the Awards’ most prestigious categories. The award was accepted by Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s Divisional Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations.

The recognition reflects dnata’s sustained progress in transforming its ground-handling operations through innovation, digitalisation and significant investment in advanced equipment.

Over the past year, dnata has strengthened its ground operations in Dubai with the introduction of autonomous, electric baggage tractors. Operating at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), these units form one of the region’s most comprehensive airside automation projects, enabling more efficient turnarounds and freeing teams to focus on higher-value operational tasks.

dnata has also continued to modernise and expand its global Ground Support Equipment (GSE) fleet with a large-scale investment programme that will introduce more than 800 new pieces of equipment across 10 markets, including the UAE, in 2025. This includes electric and hybrid loaders, tractors and ground power units, as well as AI-enabled systems designed to improve accuracy, reduce emissions and boost the reliability of aircraft handling.

Beyond the UAE, dnata has continued to strengthen its global ground-handling business through a focused strategy of expansion, investment and operational enhancement. Over the past year, the company has grown its presence in key international markets, secured long-term license renewals, and launched new stations – including Rome Fiumicino in Italy. All these developments reinforce dnata’s position as one of the world’s leading integrated air services providers.

In addition to the ground-handling accolade, dnata received the Digital Transformation Project of the Year award for its innovative Virtual Reality (VR) training programme. The immersive solution allows employees to rehearse complex airside scenarios in a controlled digital environment, improving situational awareness, accelerating learning, and reducing on-the-job risks. The programme has significantly enhanced safety consciousness among airside loading supervisors and is regarded as one of dnata’s most impactful internal innovation initiatives to date.

Jaffar Dawood said: “These awards reflect the dedication and professionalism of our teams, as well as the strong collaboration we enjoy with our partners across the airport community and local authorities. This collective effort is what drives the outstanding success and growth of Dubai’s aviation industry. We will continue to invest in our people, infrastructure and equipment to deliver even greater achievements in the years ahead.”

The ABME Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the region’s aviation sector, recognising organisations that are driving operational progress, technological advancement and industry leadership.